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Le Festival du Nouveau Cinéma is in New York!
CLAUDE C H A M B E R L A N
THE RINGMASTER
OF OUR CINEMA
Vice Versa interviews the director
of the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma
Vice Versa: Claude, what brings you
and the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma to
New York City?
Claude Chamberlan: This is just a
beginning. In the past, I've organized many
events between Montreal and New York. I
know lots of "cultural workers" there.
Finally, three years ago Jerry Sherlock, the
director of the New York Film Academy
came to our festival and he literally
"flipped". Jerry said he'd love to have such
a festival in New York because it corresponded
to the craziness of New York. Of
course, I was very interested. Tilings finally
worked out this year.
V.V.: Is it this sort of "craziness" that
links our cities?
C.C.: There are film and painting
retrospectives; one-shot deals. You have a
Canadian cinema festival, then you don't
hear anything about it for ten years. What
I'm interested in is creating a permanent
link, and not only for the festival! 1 also
mean all the special events... this is only a
beginning.
1 want to bring some people there from
Montreal. I want to mix the crowds of
Montreal and New York... in terms of programming,
of different projects — that can
be done, because the New York site, the
building is wonderful. It's cinema, video,
new technology. But it's also culture at
large. Of course, the name of the game is
sponsorship — financial backing. That's
what 1 am working on.
Now, as far as marketing Canadian
cinema... it is also a chance to give more
exposure to Quebec and Canadian independent
productions. Of course, quality
and originality is the name of the game.
I've announced that a portion of our program
would be Canadian, but it's basically an
international film program. I am also trying
to create all kinds of possible exchanges
and special projects.
V.V.: How is Montreal perceived in
New York, other than by cinema specialists?
C.C.: Let's say their attitude is
relaxed. They see us as seducers perhaps on
account of our wonderful hospitality!
V.V.: Do you describe yourself as a
Montrealer?
C.C.: I feel close to the native
Indians. My heart is in many breeds... and
for filmmakers who have something in
their guts to express.
V.V.: What do you feel about Toronto?
C.C.: You know, I am more interested
in relationships between people...
V.V.: To you, is there such a thing as
Canadian film?
C.C.: It's the soul of film that counts...
V.V.: So you want to bring together
cultural creativity here with cultural creativity
there?
C.C.: It's to extend a "love affair"...
discovering a pleasure in working together.
V.V.: Are you looking for a reaction
vis-à-vis cultural nationalism?
C.C.: Let me tell you that last year, I
met Louise Beaudouin (the Quebec Minister
of Cultural Affairs). She has always been
very supportive of the festival. Mrs. Beaudoin
told me I should be going to Paris with die
Festival to expand the "francophonie"
VICE VERSA 52 5